At Sheldrake Training, we are passionate about showcasing the incredible careers available in the equine industry once you have completed your apprenticeships with us. This month, we caught up with Remy Cameron, an experienced saddle fitter, to hear about her journey, training, and advice for those who might want to follow in her footsteps after they have completed their equine apprenticeship.
What does a saddle fitter do?
Remy’s role is all about ensuring horses and riders are comfortable, safe, and performing at their best. It may be a role that you may have never considered before, but it can be a rewarding and satisfying career for those who enjoy working with and alongside horses.
A typical appointment involves:
- Talking with the client about their needs.
- Assessing the horse through walk and trot.
- Taking a back template.
- Carrying out a static saddle fit.
- Completing a ridden assessment.
In short, it’s a hands-on role that blends technical skill, equine knowledge, and communication with both horse and rider.
Training and qualifications
To become a saddle fitter, Remy completed her qualification with the Society of Master Saddlers, a highly respected route into the profession. Alongside this, she also had to complete a flocking course and exam.
“The course is a mixture of distance learning and onsite training over about three years.”
Remy explains. “It’s very thorough — but that’s what gives you the confidence to do the job properly.”
Why saddle fitting?
For Remy, becoming a saddle fitter was the result of both personal passion and life changes. After having her child and dealing with a poorly horse, she began exploring career options in the equine industry. Initially considering equine veterinary nursing, she eventually settled on saddle fitting after encouragement from a friend who worked as a vet physio.
“It just felt like the right fit,” she says.
The best part of the job
Without hesitation, Remy highlights the impact her work has on both horse and rider:
“Making horses comfortable and helping clients understand the importance of a correctly fitting saddle — that’s the most rewarding part.”
Advice for aspiring saddle fitters
Are you thinking about following Remy’s path?
She offers some valuable advice:
- Research your area – see how many fitters are already nearby.
- Investment plan – after training, you’ll need to buy into saddle companies to stock their saddles.
- Keep learning – the job requires annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours.
- Talk to people – most saddle fitters are friendly and happy to share their experiences.
Equine background
Remy has been around horses for nearly 40 years — riding, owning, and working in the industry. She also spent 15 years working at a riding school. This background, she believes, was invaluable:
“It’s best to have a solid understanding of horses, to be confident handling them, and to know your anatomy and conformation.”
Skills that matter most
Interestingly, Remy says the biggest skill in the equine industry isn’t just about the horses:
“Dealing with people! Much trickier than the horses!”
Communication, patience, and professionalism are key.
Becoming a Saddle Fitter – How Much Can I Earn?
A career as a saddle fitter can be financially rewarding — but your own effort very much shapes it.
A standard fitting costs around £60+ for 1–1.5 hours of work, and the more appointments you fit into a day, the more you can earn.
Additionally, selling a new saddle can yield an extra £300–£700 profit, depending on the brand. It is worth considering that some visits may only require a check on an existing saddle. This may mean monthly income can be unpredictable, just like many self-employed roles. However, this is where your personal dedication and drive can positively impact your earning potential by building trust with current customers, going the extra mile and receiving “word of mouth” recommendations. These extra customers can then make a real difference to your earning capacity as you build your reputation locally and even nationally.
Career pathway
After school, Remy studied Animal Management at college, originally intending to become a vet nurse. She has since worked in administration, at Marwell Zoo and as a riding instructor — all experiences that added to her skill set.
Final advice for apprentices
For anyone starting out in the equine industry, Remy’s advice is clear:
- Gain as much experience as possible.
- Take opportunities and be willing to start from scratch.
- Always put horse welfare first.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up for the horse.
In summary
Remy’s story shows just how varied, rewarding, and people-focused a career in the equine industry can be. With dedication, training, and a true passion for horses, roles like saddle fitting can open doors to a lifelong career helping both horses and riders thrive.